Maltby care home residents can stay

People at Melton Court have faced an uncertain few weeks after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) deregistered the home and withdrew its operating licence.

But following talks between the CQC and Rotherham Council residents can now stay in the home while the owner seeks another provider to operate it.

Watchdog officials had recently discovered that Ishtiaq Zahir, the man named as its current owner, had been jailed for eight years for causing grievous bodily harm and actual bodily harm in 2010.

The CQC was informed of this in August 2012 and notified Zahir by letter on 19th September that it was cancelling the registration of the home.

Residents were told they would have 10 days to leave Melton Court, but have now been told they can stay.

A spokesman for Rotherham Council and the CQC said they have reached agreement about a course of action that allows residents to remain there while the owner seeks another provider who is able to apply for registration to CQC in order to operate the care home.

He added: “This is the result of ongoing discussions between the two organisations who maintain that the safety and care of residents has been the primary concern of the council and CQC and together we have been looking for a solution that maintains continuity of care as far as possible.”

“CQC has provided assurances that no prosecutions will be made while the registration application from the potential provider is being considered and the council and CQC will seek to bring this situation to a close as quickly as possible. The authority welcomes these assurances from CQC and will continue to provide an on site presence within the home during this period to ensure that the well-being and safety of residents is maintained. Together we will support the management of any quality and safety risks to ensure that the right outcomes are delivered for the residents and their families.”

“This will provide some breathing space for residents that will hopefully allow a new provider to take control of the home without further disruption.”

“All parties have agreed to ensure there is regular and open communications between them to ensure that any further unforeseen events can be managed in a way that minimises disruption to residents.”